Plastic and rubber manufacturers post lowest production capacity usage rates in 15 years

According to a new report released by Statistics Canada, Canadian industries reduced their use of production capacity for the fourth consecutive quarter from October to December 2006.

Industries were operating at 82.5 per cent of their overall capacity, the lowest level in more than three years.

The primary metals, wood products, transportation equipment, and rubber and plastic industries were the biggest contributors to the declining rate in the manufacturing sector.

In particular, the rate of capacity utilization fell by three points to 73.4 per cent in the plastic and rubber manufacturing industry. Statistics Canada noted that this was the lowest rate posted by this industry in over 15 years.

Capacity utilization in the plastic products manufacturing industry fell from an annual average of 81.3 per cent in 2005 to an average of 75.3 per cent in 2006.